CentreForum is an independent, liberal think-tank seeking to develop evidence-based policy solutions to the problems facing Britain. Since our launch in 2005 we have established ourselves in the top tier of UK think-tanks, being named runner-up in Prospect magazine's 2007 ‘think-tank of the year’ awards.

We aim to provide a progressive forum for innovation and debate. Alongside our research we run seminars, conferences and fringe meetings, aiming to engage policy makers, academics, the media and voters in debate.

CentreForum is determined to begin with reference to data, not dogma. But we do have certain key values at our core. These are progressive, rooted in the same quest for justice that has motivated all British liberals for more than 300 years. In the social sphere, justice has never, for liberals, been about equality of outcomes, but has instead focused on equality of opportunity – the belief that everyone should enjoy an equal chance in life, regardless of background, wealth or connections. CentreForum's research focuses upon four broad themes: the politics of aspiration, empowerment, globalisation and liberalism.

A belief in the politics of aspiration has focused our social policy work on expanding life chances, spreading opportunities and boosting social mobility. Already much of our work, particularly on education and welfare, has been guided by a desire to help people ‘get on’, make the most of their talents, fulfil their potential and realise their ambitions.

Liberals have long been committed to decentralising power to the local level in the name of individual and community empowerment. At CentreForum we want to explore ways of spreading decision making and purchasing powers among those directly affected by the consequences, rather than concentrating them in the hands of politicians and bureaucrats. Our belief in supply side liberalisation of public services is coupled with the vision of an enabling, rather than a minimal, state. We advocate a progressive approach to public spending and a redistributive approach to taxation, to ensure that all are able to realise their ambitions and their goals, regardless of earnings or wealth.

As well as devolving power downwards, we also advocate the pooling of power at the international level. This is based on a commitment to the ‘internationalist’ tradition in liberalism – the commitment to establishing a rules-based global order, governed by international law and, where possible, maintained through multilateral institutions. We intend to set out a confident, forward looking agenda that champions the free movement of goods, capital, services and people. We believe that migration, trade, development and ‘green capitalism’ can all make Britain richer – financially, ecologically and culturally.

Contact person: John Springford, john.springford@centreforum.org